FROM THE MARGRAVIATE

OF AVISTRA

A PETITION TO THE CROWN

OF BURGUNDY

Issued on the third of Snow’s Maiden, 

in the year of our Lord, 2024

YOUR MAJESTY,

I pen this missive to you as a humble servant and leal vassal of the Crown of Burgundy & Principate of Ivoria. The ascension of the new Burgundine realm has brought many noble families to our burgeoning realm, with many fleeing the devastating War of Crown and Crozier which has destroyed or subjugated many a nation which once stood against us.

Our Kingdom bears no shortage of lands, many of whom have been untouched or undeveloped for decades or simply ever. One such region is the lands once held by the heathen Trade-State of Vortice which was soundly defeated in the Robertine Crusade. However, since the victory of the faithful over these heathen-states, these lands have largely been left untouched and unsettled.

Yet now I, as I am sure many others do, see the potential in this land. Noble houses flock to the banners of Burgundy, seeking new lands and titles with which to call their own. While there is of course a benefit in remaining close to the crownlands, it would be worthwhile to invest in settling a handful of these noble houses into the far eastern border of our Kingdom so it may be developed and secured.

Therefore, I petition and propose the creation of the Province of Vortice, a land which would encompass most of the extreme hills and karsts regions which lay unsettled by noble houses. This Province would, in theory, be led by a Governor to be selected by His Majesty’s council to effectively govern, develop, and pacify the region. It would act much the same as a crown vassal such as the Duchy of Alba, with the nobles who settle in the region paying tax to the Governor, who then pays to the Crown itself. I feel that such a proposal and the creation of this internal polity would bring much needed revenue to the Crown, whilst putting less strain upon the Crownlands to house the nobles in need of land.

I eagerly await you and your council’s response.

Signed,

His Lordship, Ser Meili Altwegg, Co-Margrave of Avistra, Knight of Ivoria

THE SIEGE OF KORVACZ

✠ “Your keep just got shot up so bad that people call it holy” - Azhug’Gorkil ✠

Dawn at Camp Euler

‘Soldier, where is King Haakon?"

“Milord, he left an hour ago - he's already out there.”

“Konansson did WHAT ?!”
 

Tiberias van Aert emerged from his tent early in the morning, yet it seemed King Haakon of Norland had gotten an earlier start. Men were still preparing their artillery crew by the time the Holy League’s finest soldiers had left the camp under their guidance. Even earlier than that had been the beginning work of Sion Marsyr, expertly calculating the siege weapon trajectory. Rumor circulated throughout Camp Euler that he had spent the whole night preparing his calculations. Given how extensive the planning had been, this seemed to be the case, but all the better for the Holy League’s Accuracy. Tiberias took a diagram for his own trebuchet and climbed to the vantage point upon which it had been stationed.

He took out a spyglass and surveyed the positions of the army. The Albans and Ravenmirians had taken up forward positions on the cannons, alongside a handful of Norlandic siege veterans. Just behind them were Krugistan and Sólgaard mercenaries, preparing their trebuchets' aim. Haelunor's scholars were with them, ensuring that the engines would function properly even under the strain of battle. Tiberias’ attention turned northeast next, surveying the woods for Haakon’s forces. It was difficult, given how well they had positioned themselves in cover, yet it was clear that the forward group, composed of the best warriors among all descendants, was prepared. Meanwhile, Anorhil had prepared a rallying speech for the Numenedain, which the Adunian forces took to with a mighty rallying cry.

Lastly, Tiberias’s gaze fell upon the Haensemen’s fort. Its construction had been poor, and a closer look revealed its men to appear tired and fearful. Even so, they stood at the ready. The battle would soon begin…
 

The Beginning of the Battle

The men in the forward force braced themselves for the artillery fire to commence. Captain Vangelis Mareno rallied the Grensewacht’s cavalry, whilst Haakon prepared the Norlandic and Savoyard infantry. Keen elven eyes of Caurost took up positions in the treeline, watching for Camp Euler’s signal that the battle had started.

The first horn sounded, Calias Mareno blowing a familiar grensen goat-horn from the siege camp, and the first volley was released. Trebuchets on both sides flung their boulders, and cannons fired their shots. Adjustments were made efficiently between two trebuchet teams led by a Sólvikingr and an Uruk, eager to win a wager. The eyes of the advance party watched with bated breath as projectiles seemed to fly in slow motion. Then, suddenly, the sounds of explosive impacts could be heard. Haense’s cannoneers had aimed short, striking the ground in front of Camp Euler in a complete miss, but it was much the opposite; they received. Sion’s calculations proved correct as the Holy League fired several direct hits upon their foe’s fort. Some landed upon walls, causing them to crumble, whilst others struck soldiers directly.

The second horn sounded from Calias, calling for the forward force to initiate their attack. Haakon directed the troops forward, but even before this, the Oni of Koyo-Kuni charged forward without hesitation, placing ladders all along the fort's vulnerabilities and engaging in combat. They were soon joined by the rest, clashing against the defenders of the Northern Wall.

Then began the cycle of perfect coordination, which could only be possible under the command of leaders such as Tiberias and Haakon, as orders were relayed through the Marenos to skirmish upon the north wall yet withdraw just before the firing of siege equipment. Thus was it done, where the Holy League’s forces would inflict heavy casualties upon their foe with alternating attacks of offensive charges and artillery. The soldiers of Haense, Petra, and Balian were trapped like fish in a barrel, witnessing their commanders among the first casualties of battle. Meanwhile, the elves of Celia’nor either fled deeper into the fortress for refuge or perished under the relentless bombardment.

✠ A depiction of one of Haense’s commanders dying in battle. ✠
 

This harsh but efficient strategy persisted for hours, making Haense’s defense increasingly precarious. Their walls fell apart, and their troops started to panic in the absence of their leaders. Haakon’s leadership of the advancing force was so skillful that almost a third of the Haensemen were lost, resulting in very few casualties on his side before the battle resumed.

The third horn sounded, and the remaining warriors of the Holy League’s forces advanced from their siege camp. A full-frontal assault commenced against the scant remnants of the castle’s walls. The Haensemen retreated immediately into their courtyard as the soldiers of the Holy League scaled the ramparts and pressed on with their charge. 

The outcome was catastrophic. Haense’s army faced certain defeat the moment they left their fortifications. They had ensnared themselves within their defenses, and their only route to escape was through the destruction wrought by the Holy League. However, confronting them was a force much stronger than their own. The Holy League encircled them, starting with Haakon’s troops, followed by Calias’ and then Tiberias’, as the Haensemen had no choice but to either flee or accept their doom. The fort had been taken.

The Eve After

The soldiers of the Holy League reveled in their triumph. Many celebrated amid the remnants of the keep they had just conquered, while others journeyed back to their homelands, basking in victory. Some even shared the parchments they had picked up from Haense’s fallen, where attempts were made by the Raev and the Balianite to proclaim success or victory. Unsurprisingly, this sparked uproarious laughter among the troops, now adorned with freshly acquired Haeseni helmets. A halfling managed to persuade a small group of drunken holy knights and Norns to place bets utilizing cannonballs and rows of helmets in a peculiar version of ‘bowling’.

Celebrations lasted deep into the night as many shared their personal accounts of the battle. Hordespeaker Azhug’Ghorkil gallantly rescued King Haakon from a front-line trench. Sir Honk the Auspicious single-handedly took down four foes. Captain Vangelis Mareno bravely charged a horse through the heart of the enemy and managed to escape with only minor injuries. Numerous other tales of victory filled the night, with many being recorded in journals or turned into ballads.

 

Tiberias van Aert, Duke of Burgundy, Captain General of The Holy League

MARCHING ORDERS

Hell March

✠

- The Holy League’s blessed army on the move -

CHOKEHOLD NO MORE

As the tide of war swings ever in our favor, with many a man and woman deserting from the Horenic covenant, we look upon the fortifications close to home. For too long, the Theonus keep has threatened the Lowlands, and now it stands as an obstacle in our war.

Hear my words, Holy League, we march to weaken their defenses!

5 PM EST Wednesday.

Tiberias van Aert, Duke of Burgundy, Captain General of The Holy League

✠ Holy Knight Samuel Matthew of Lemon Hill sat atop the throne of New Valdev ✠

S O   I T   B E G I N S

As rumors of war spread throughout Aevos, the war bands of Krugistan set out under the leadership of Grommash to seek the payment the people of Hyspia and Haense had promised upon them. There had been peace signed some years earlier, yet the terms agreed to were unfulfilled. As Grommash entered to challenge why his terms were not met, he was ambushed. They set upon the very same orc they had so recently made a pact with and executed the great Grommash.

It was not long before the party returned, sounding the calls for a rally. The Holy Pontifical States quickly gathered their forces and marched in retaliation. War had begun.

The great combined host of the Holy States—Numendil, Krugistan, Urguan, and Caurost—consolidated their forces on the territory at the edge of Haense, anticipating a significant battle on the outskirts of the desert. Yet, no one was present. In fact, scouts traversing the woodlands of Haense reported that the entirety of the crownlands lay deserted. The enemy was in hiding.

It was then that the Holy Knight, Samuel Matthew, took to lead the rally, using his keen senses to sniff out where the Haeseni army was hiding. They entered the city with the aid of Dwarven Siege Ladders, climbing into Valdev. Yet even in the town, the streets had been completely deserted. No, the men of Haense did not occupy their city but had retreated to the recesses of their throne room, shuddering and remaining as quiet as mice in the hope that the allied forces would not notice them.  

Yet they blundered, peeking through windows such that they were seen. The holy host descended upon them with great speed, bursting into the throne room in a dauntless charge. Many of Haense attempted to flee but failed in the box they had trapped themselves in. Others tried to hold the dias, but their incompetence led to failure within a few brief moments. 

The schismatic Haensers were defeated, and many were captured. Their cowardly king had not been among them. Now, with the city undefeated, the Soldiers spoke to create a mark of their victory. Some posed upon the throne, while others began to interrogate the captives.

However, one prize stood tall above the city; raised high over the walls of Valdev was a great statue. It was no goodly saint, no martyr of Haense’s rich history; but instead was LADY HAENSE. A great stone idol of extremist nationalism, the same spirit which motivates a people to consider it an existential threat to do penance for terrorism, the same spirit which brought the continent to war because it feared a strong spirit. 

Snaer of Urguan proposed they decapitate the idol and remove her flag of victory. And it was so. As the Dwarf moved to strike the head, by his cunning stonesense it took no more than three strikes of a pickaxe to remove her head. Thus Lady Haense fell, a fitting mark to the first victory to end the idolatry of Joren’s tribe.

✠ An artist’s rendition of the beheading of Lady Haense ✠

But as for the captives, they attested to the true hatred of the temple of their tribe. They said their folk had not trusted a pontiff since Cauis, confirming well that the Leaders of Haense had long conspired against the church, denying the spiritual authority of both Harrentzedek and Deunoro. The captives were nonetheless released, under the agreement they would spread the Epistles of Owyn to their fellow men of Haense, for the glory of GOD. 

Tiberias van Aert, Duke of Burgundy, Captain General of The Holy States

THE DUKE AND HIS PEOPLE

✠

- A summer morning in the Grenseland -

TO THE GRENSEVOLK

At last, I have returned to stand before you once more. Long have you endured the test of time with neither aim nor goal in sight, and still in the face of despair did you prevail.

My absentia has now come to an end, and so too has our age of strife.

I call upon the Grensevolk; to address the state of our people, our place, and our duties, within the Holy States.

Invited are the peers, allies, and friends of the Grensemen.

[Grenseplatz, FRIDAY 5:00 PM EST]

Tiberias van Aert, Protector of Grense, Duke of Burgundy

IN CELEBRATION OF BURGUNDY

Upon the promulgation of the First Golden Bull of Lemon Hill we stood witness to the creation of the Pontifical States, whose sovereignty lies in the blessed hands of the Vicar. Our prayers have been heard thus law and order is triumphant in these lands. Moreover it is our most sincere desire that the neighbouring populaces benefit from this restructuring and usher in prosperity.

Furthermore the Primus Aurea Bulla Citrum Collis has seen to our elevation as the Papal Duchy of Burgundy in merit to our service in defence of the Holy Mother Church. We extend our humble gratitude and profess our undying loyalty in perpetuity. On the account of these news we fret that disregarding the longing of merriment is synonymous to sinning.

Therefore we announce an approaching period of celebrations. Persistent to our traditions and militant customs the occurrences are to begin with melee; those participants are sanctioned the use of close combat weapons and nothing else. Afterwards we shall continue on with jousts; those riding are to bring in their own steads. The champions shall be endowed with five hundred minae (500) and an object as testament to their victory. Finalising our gathering we are to feast in the tavern.

Concluding the aforesaid we extend personal letters of invitation.
The High Pontiff Ro’eh Tzon of the Pontifical States and his populous

The Queen Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of Numendil and her populous

The Princes in Reinmar of Sutica and Minitz and their populous

The Queen Adalia of Petra and her populous

The Exilic Duke Stefan Euler of Adria and his populous

The High Prince Galahad of Caurost and his populous

The Rex Rhak’Dom of Lurak and his populous

The Shugo Kato Oijin of Koyo-Kuni and his populous
The Laird Conan-Thegn of Solgaard and his populous

We expect you at the fairgrounds of Grense.

SIGNED,

His Lordship, Vangelis Mareno, Regent of Burgundy

Passing by the bulletin board would be a tucked letter with the following words on the paper:

𝔄nette Blackrose, a cherished member of the Blackrose household in Grense, has been missing since last Saints Week.

Description:

Height: 165 cm (5'5")
Hair: Dark
Eyes: Bluish
Attire: Typically seen wearing a black hat and matching clothing

ℑf you have any information about her whereabouts or have seen someone matching this description, please reach out by sending a letter to Ravena Blackrose.

Your help is deeply appreciated as we search and pray to God for our beloved Anette.

𝔖igned,

ℜ𝔞𝔳𝔢𝔫𝔞 𝔅𝔩𝔞𝔠𝔨𝔯𝔬𝔰𝔢 - 𝔅𝔩𝔞𝔠𝔨𝔯𝔬𝔰𝔢 𝔗𝔯𝔞𝔡𝔦𝔫𝔤 ℭ𝔬𝔪𝔭𝔞𝔫𝔶

[!]

A flier is distributed, stuck around the streets and halls of Church-loving Canonist nations.

With the victory of the righteous in the recent Robertine Crusade, a celebratory joust is to be held in Grense. The contest will take place with the Myrinian ruleset, and have a prize of 500 mina. Along with the title of Champion Of Grense. All are invited to attend, especially those who participated in the crusade.

OOC: November 17th (TODAY ) at 6pm EST.

Grense can be located by going directly north of the Lowlands SS pillar from CT.

Approx. x:+1950, z:-180

[!]

A flier is distributed, stuck around the streets and halls of Church-loving Canonist nations.
The Grensen Games Year 3

With year two of the Grensen Games coming to a close, the village moves on to the final games to take place during Year 3. This year will place the skill of each combatant firmly in their own hands with a Grand Skirmish and Dueling Tournament.

 

Formally invited to partake are:

    The Monarch and People of Ravenmire @Zqppy

    The Tar and People of Numendil @AstriaS

    The Duke and People of Adria @Gaja

    The Prince and People of Caurost @Unwillingly

    The Rex-Khan and people of Lurak @Rig (And his underling @Sean_VEVO)

The High Keeper and people of Norland @_Elrith_

The Infamous Thegn and people of Solgaard @M1919

The Queen and People of Petra @mothsthetic
 

    The Grand King and people of Urguan @Papa Rock, as well as their previous Game Winner Sigrun Ireheart @xMuted

The People of Koyo-Kuni and their Grub Bucket Shinobi Ambassador @wowj

And any others who wish to try their hand at participating.

Grand Skirmish:

All participants shall enter the arena with their own choice of equipment to combat each other. All weapons and armor are permitted with the exception of horses. The final combatant standing shall be declared the winner.
The prize for winning will be Three Hundred Mina and a Grensen Victor’s Helmet

Duelist’s Tournament:

To be held in the traditional one on one format, all participants are expected to fight in best of one matches with daemonsteel blades and iron armor. The final man standing at the end of the bracket shall be declared winner.

The prize for winning will be Three Hundred Mina and a Champion’s Blade.

OOC: November 1st (Friday) at 5pm EST.

Grense can be located by going directly north of the Lowlands SS pillar from CT.

Approx. x:+1950, z:-180

[!]

A flier is distributed, stuck around the streets and halls of Church-loving Canonist nations.
The Grensen Games Year 2

“

Following the first year of the Grensen Games, with Sigrund Ireheart victorious in Sumo and Iscesi winning the Foortace, we move on to Year Two. This year will be focused more upon equestrian talent with competitions in both Myrinian Jousting and a Horse Race.

Formally invited to partake are:

    The Monarch and People of Ravenmire @Zqppy

    The Tar and People of Numendil @AstriaS

    The Duke and People of Adria @Gaja

    The Prince and People of Caurost @Unwillingly

    The Rex-Khan and people of Lurak @Rig (And his underling @Sean_VEVO)

The High Keeper and people of Norland @_Elrith_

The Infamous Thegn and people of Solgaard @M1919

The Queen and People of Petra @mothsthetic
The Grand King and people of Urguan @Papa Rock, as well as their previous Game Winner @xMuted

And any others who wish to try their hand at participating.

Myrinian Jousting:

The infamous sport by the Myrinian ruleset. Participants are permitted to maneuver anywhere along the jousting arena as desired, with the only exception being jumping over the center. The Joust shall be hosted behind the Village of Grense at the Fairgrounds.

The prize for winning will be Three Hundred Mina and a Fine Grensen Lance

Horse Race:

To be held throughout the general lands of the Holy Regency. All horses are allowed to participate in the race, competitors are encouraged to bring their best racers. The course will feature a start point, and a point to go and come back from, with an overseer verifying at either. Any route to get between these points is permitted. 

The prize for winning will be Three Hundred Mina and a Grensen Thoroughbred Horse

OOC: October 25th (Friday) at 5pm EST.

Grense can be located by going directly north of the Lowlands SS pillar from CT.

Approx. x:+1950, z:-180

A game of strategy, skill, and calculated risk.

Join us in an open poker night on the 22^nd of Snow’s Maiden. The games will be located at the Grense Tavern where any and every individual is welcome to participate. The format is as follows; 

• Schmexas Hold’em
• No-limit betting
• 75 minae buy-in
  • There is no buy-in limit
• 5 people per table
  • Seats are first-come-first-serve
• Winner Takes All

• Formal attire is highly recommended
• Eyeshades are highly recommended 

• Leave all beef at the door
• Drink responsibly 
• Don’t be an *******
• BYOC.B

 *The following letter can only be acknowledged by people who have received one*

Dear Recipient,

You have been formally offered a seat at the high rollers table in the Grense game night. This opportunity is designed for a select number of individuals whom we acknowledge to be especially sophisticated. 

There will be a 500 minae buy in and six seats available. Please arrive in proper attire and we highly recommend you wear eyeshades. There are no further rules at the high rollers table. To accept this invitation and reserve a seat, return a bird to sender.

High Rollers Table

[!] A flier is distributed, stuck around the streets and halls of Church-loving Canonist nations.

The Grensen Games

“

With the blessing of the Holy Mother Church, the township of Grense is pleased to announce THE GRENSEN GAMES. A series of events and competitions are to be held in Grense over the course of a number of years, in celebration of the success of the Grensewacht and the prowess of its members in The Robertine Crusade.

The first of these events shall be a FOOT RACE and SUMO tournament, to be held in a handful of months.

Formally invited to partake are:
The Monarch and People of Ravenmire @Zqppy
The Tar and People of Numendil @AstriaS
The Duke and People of Adria @Gaja
The Prince and People of Caurost @Unwillingly
The Rex-Khan and people of Lurak @Rig (And his underling @Sean_VEVO)

The High Keeper and people of Norland @_Elrith_

The Infamous Thegn and people of Solgaard @M1919

The Queen and People of Petra @mothsthetic

And any others who wish to try their hand at participating.

Foot Race:

The foot race is to be held beside Grense, with an obstacle course constructed in the southern field. During the race, participants are encouraged to hinder each other by punching (WITH FISTS ONLY), so as to make things more interesting.

The prize for winning will be Three Hundred Mina and a pair of fine Grensen Shoes

Sumo:

Inspired by the recent victory of Grensewacht Captain Vangelis Mareno in a sumo tournament in Koyo-Kuni, another sumo tournament will be held west of the village,  immediately following the conclusion of the Foot Race.

The prize for winning will be Three Hundred Mina and a Grensen Longsword

OOC: October 18th (Friday) at 5pm EST.

Grense can be located by going directly north of the Lowlands SS pillar from CT.

[!]

A flier is distributed, stuck around the streets and halls of Church-loving Canonist nations.

“And the Lord breathed life into the beasts, and ordered their estates. And GOD saw that it was good.”

 (Gospel 1:12-13)

To any would be farmers, herders, leather workers, etc. . .

The Holy Regency is pleased to announce the availability of a number of barns for lease. Located just southeast of the former Holy See, the beautiful land these barns are located on are perfect for animal husbandry - especially that of cows.

These buildings come constructed in advance, and should require little to no work to get running on part of their lessees. Additionally, these barns are available for the low cost of 50 minas per year, which will go to the Holy Church.  That’s right - the tax is only of mina, no leather taxation at all! Taxes can be paid at the tax office in Grense.

Anyone looking to take up such an excellent offer is advised to contact either Father Milen or Calias Mareno to discuss such. We encourage you to either stop by Grense or the new Holy See on Lemon Hill in person to seek us out, or write a letter.

May the Blessings of God be upon you.

OOC:

Word spreads around the realm, rumours, of Arthur of Grense, legendary merchant, sitting on a fortune.

Rumors have been stirring throughout the realm about Arthur of Grense, a renowned and shrewd merchant, now on the lookout for large quantities of raw materials and rare weapons or ores. Known for his extensive network of trade and business acumen, Arthur has made it clear that he's willing to pay a handsome price in Mina for those able to meet his needs.

Be warned, however—Arthur isn't easily deceived. He has a sharp eye for quality and won't be swindled by overpriced or subpar goods. For those able to offer fair deals, this could be a golden opportunity. Whether you're a miner with an abundance of ores, a blacksmith forging rare weapons, or a trader with connections to hard-to-find resources, now is the time to approach Arthur.

Word has it he's traveling between major cities, establishing trade posts, and is open to setting up lasting contracts with reliable suppliers. If you seek a generous benefactor in exchange for fair dealings, keep an ear to the ground and sharpen your trade skills. You may just cross paths with Arthur of Grense soon enough.

Send letter with Arthur of Grense (ILOVEPEPSI123).

[!] Across the world of Aevos several fliers are pinned up along roads, on city walls and even under rocks.
 

In the coming months, The humble town of Grense is inviting anyone with good amounts of mina and nothing to do with it to partake in the first Grensen Auction. All of good nature and disposition are invited to come and bid on the assortment of goods that is to be auctioned off.

The Auctioned Items shall include, but are not limited to:
Alchemical Potions
Rare Materials
Other assorted loot and rarities

Along with this, attendees are invited to examine the multitude of shop stalls located throughout the township, which offer things such as food, common (but highly useful!) materials, well-bred horses, and prized goat horns.
 

GRENSEMANN VORAN

✠

- Brascan Cannoneers -

AN OATH TO GOD

First to receive HIS word and first to take action, the Grensemann solemnly swears before GOD that he is to dutifully charge first into the breach at the siege of Hohkmat. That when the walls begin to fall he will echo the courage of his ancestors at the Siege of Haverlock, and clear the way for his allies, matter not what comes his way. So is our promise to those who aid us, so is our promise to GOD. Hohkmat will be delivered to our LORD, and

the Grensewacht will lead the way!

Sir Tiberias

ooc: Saturday 7th of September @ 4PM EST 

In celebration of the ascension of a dear friend of Grense, Mother Clover to Cardinal of Mt. Lemon, the humble town of Grense will host the most jolly of festivities in her name. All those who consider themselves a friend of our Holy Mother Church may join us on this happy day, for this is a great cause for celebration.

【☩】Opening Ceremony

The township of Grense will receive all those pious in the realm, welcoming them in the fields next to the town. All festival-goers are encouraged to bring at least one lamb, as a gift to her eminence. All of the lambs will be contained in a large area, and Clover herself will sprinkle the flock with holy water in preparation of the games to come. While we await the masses, thematic beverages and food will be served.

【☩】Paint the Flock

After all expected guests have arrived, the township will host the first iteration of a new sport, crowned “painting the flock”. In this game, participants will be distributed in 4 teams and join the lambs in a large pen. Each team will be assigned a color; blue, red, purple and yellow. The teams will then also receive large buckets of dye corresponding with their assigned color. Once everyone is ready, the teams are expected to paint as many sheep in their color within a rather short amount of time. Whichever color is the most prominent in the flock when the whistle is blown, wins.

【☩】Formidable Joust

Because Grense is home to many fine lancers, a joust will be organized in light of this wonderful occasion, once more honoring the ascension of the now-Cardinal of the region. The joust will be held in a newly constructed ring, it will be the first tournament held there. Because of this, the honor of formally opening and blessing this fine arena will be granted to Mother Clover. The victor will be awarded with a haul of 500 pieces of gold and a wonderfully crafted trophy.

【☩】Handmade Market

Guests from near and far are invited to claim one of the many stalls that will be available during the festival in order to hawk their wares. The theme of the market is that of handmade items, anything from foodstuffs to jewelry, clothing, weapons, and whatever else the artisans of the world would like to come and display. 

【☩】Formal invitations

His Holiness, Fleeperus Primus,

The Clergy of the Holy Mother Church,

The townsfolk of Grense and the remnants of Whitespire,

Her Royal Highness, Tar-Caranthe Aryantё of Numendil and her flock,

Her Royal Highness, Adalia I of Petra and her flock,

His Royal Majesty, Marius III of Haense and his flock,

Her Royal Highness, Xiomara I of Hyspia and her flock,

Their Royal Highnesses, Brant & Frederica of Reinmar and their flock,

Her Grace, Arowyn of Silasia and her flock,

His Grace, Bo Rostova of Ravenmire and his flock,

Those of Balian who did not stray from GOD’s light,

The Shugo, Atsuko of Koyo-Kuni and her flock,

Konan-Thegn av Sólgaard and his flock.

IMPORTANT

Township of Grense

1992

"Shall I worship the strong man? Shall you worship the tallest among you? No, for the glory of GOD is not in mere magnitude, but in His fullness and His perfection." (Spirit 1:15-17)

David Teniers

In this year, our humble people gathered under the Lemon Hill, formed what will be known as our bountiful township of Grense. With the guidance of Mother Clover the bricks have been laid for this small town to soon become a bastion of our most Holy  Mother Church. To thrive in GOD’s light where others did not.

【☩】A brief history

The people of Grense find their beginnings amidst the meadows and hills of the Middenland. A time of despair had seen their home scattered and destroyed, and their tribe spread across the lands. It was in this home that, as a people, they had attained their disposition towards Martial tradition and skills of the land, a disposition which they brought with them into the Lowlands at the foot of the Lemonhill.

In seeking a new beginning and in the hopes of a re-integration amidst the peoples of God, were they allowed to settle upon the plains below the Hill of Lemons. This agreement between Tiberias Van Aert, and the High Priest, Fleeper I. came to bring prosperity and traffic to the once barren region. Thus governs Sir Tiberias the town of Grense as its appointed protector. Once more the markets of the Lemon hill see commerce, and its streets at the center of Grense, find people traveling through them.

The Hills are furthermore now stoutly defended by the men and women of the Grensewacht, whose ranks are composed of the people of the town of Grense. They who would style themselves the watch have kept a diligent and dutiful vigil upon the roads which lead in and out of the peninsula, with an abundance of perilous encounters already repelled and defeated.

Jan Steen

The people of Grense now climb towards a brighter future. For once in many decades can they at last feel proud to be who they are. They can at last sing and toil the land, fight and smile the Sun's smile. They can at last reach the height of the rock and shout to the world. “God is with us.” And so it is, and so it shall be.

【☩】The purpose of Grense

Grense stands as a testament to agricultural tradition. Its fields are fertile and they provide the opportunity for any who wish to till the land in peace to do so to their heart’s content. The local smith provides the workers with the proper tools for their jobs and also helps bolster the town’s militia.

The Grensewacht provides protection on the roads that travel into and out of the Lemon hill along with those that head westwards beyond the hills themselves. The men of the Grensewacht are committed to the safety of the peninsula and are willing to lay down their lives to ensure that threats do not roam free. Such stout spirit has resulted in a well disciplined force which thanks to the local smithy, is also quite well equipped.

Jacob van Spreeuwen

Grense also provides  what many would hope to expect in a feudal heartlandic society, as it seeks to revitalize old Burgs of the past. Too long has a stench of modernity permeated.

The Town itself is positioned upon a vital crossroads, with three continental highways converging upon the peninsula, and a Cloud Temple’s anchor directly above the hill of Grense. It is poised to play a part in the continent’s trade, acting as a midpoint for the different trade routes of Braevos.

Those who pick up their bags and move into Grense will find many opportunities to fill, in all aspects of society as is common when one builds a settlement from the ground up entirely. With our on-demand construction work and our varied positions, it is certain that anyone will find a place that they enjoy within our humble town, free of tax. May God be with you as you make your way to the Lemonhill.

"VINCERE EST VIVERE"

The Grensewacht is the diligent standing armed force, tasked with protecting the people of Grense and upholding peace within the Lowlands. The Grensewacht is headed by The Protector of Grense, who has supreme authority over its soldiers, and the ability to deploy them as he sees fit.

The Watch's name, Grensewacht, means The Grense Watch. Initially, it was formed by the men of Grense to keep an eye over their village after a series of attacks from darkspawn and brigands.

ORGANIZATION

Captain

The Captain holds the position of senior command within the Grensewacht and is second only to the Protector of Grense. His responsibilities are primarily composed of organizing the soldiers, resolving disputes, and leading larger skirmishes.

Officer

An Officer is a senior member of the Grensewacht who has proven their competence and is well seasoned in the routines of guard work. They excel in almost every aspect of combat and field-strategy. Too are they responsible for assisting in training of new recruits and demonstrating leadership in the absence of the Captain.

Footman

Upon completion of basic training, a recruit becomes a footman. Footmen form the core of the Grensewacht’s soldiery and are trained to be skilled at melee, and adequate with a crossbow. Footmen are typically organized into squads and operate as the Grensewacht’s frontline soldiers.



 

Recruit

A recruit is a new member of the Grensewacht who has only recently enlisted and yet to undergo training. They are expected to train for as long as necessary to prove sufficient prowess before being promoted to Footmen.

OATH TO GRENSE

Recruits are required to swear an oath prior to their entering the service of the Grensewacht. When a man takes his oath, he guarantees his absolute loyalty to the Protector of Grense, and is committing to the greater purpose of upholding the values of Grense and striving for virtue.

“May all things both courageous and virtuous bear witness to this here my oath.

I, (Full name), swear to uphold this oath, to honorably defend Grense in her time of need.

I shall follow The Protector of Grense to the best of my ability and bleed with him as I have dined with him, and harbor within me no room for doubt. 

I shall not forsake my brothers-in-arms, and an attack against Grense shall be as an attack against myself. 

…

Verily I take this oath of my own accord.

Thus I swear my fealty to Grense, until my breath has ceased, or fulfilled my oath is deemed.”

ENLISTMENT

Prior to joining the Grensewacht one is required to qualify for all prerequisites as stated. Possible exceptions to these prerequisites can be made by the determination of The Protector of Grense and The Captain of the Grensewacht.

I. One must be of at least sixteen years of age

II. One must be a resident of the Lowlands

III. One must exhibit common sense and the capacity to be trained.

IV. One must be free of oath or obligation to any other nation, power, or lord save the Church of Canon.